Tips for avoiding heat stroke and exhaustion.
Hot weather is dangerous, and seniors are particularly prone to its threat. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are a real problem. In fact, a recent University of Chicago Medical Center study found that 40 percent of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over age 65.
There are several reasons for seniors’ heat vulnerability. People’s ability to notice changes in their body temperature may decrease with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat. Many medicines can contribute to dehydration.
Fortunately, a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to remain safe in the heat.
1. DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS. Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration.
2. WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHES. When it’s hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. STAY INDOORS DURING MID-DAY HOURS. During periods of extreme heat, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when the temperature tends to be cooler.
4. TAKE IT EASY. Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.
5. WATCH THE HEAT INDEX. When there’s a lot of moisture in their air (high humidity), the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index factors humidity and temperature to approximate how hot the weather really feels. The current heat index can be found on all popular weather websites, and is also usually announced on local TV and radio weather reports during periods of warm weather.
6. SEEK AIR-CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. Seniors whose houses aren’t air-conditioned should consider finding an air-conditioned place to spend time during extreme heat. The mall, library or movie theater, are all popular options. During heat waves, many cities also set up “cooling centers,” air-conditioned public places, for seniors and other vulnerable populations. Seniors without convenient access to any air-conditioned place might consider a cool bath or shower.
7. KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS. Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that help should be sought immediately.
This article originally appeared in the Franciscan St. Francis Health June 2016 Senior Promise newsletter.
